Buy me a coffeeFrancis Dashwood, 11th Baron le Despencer, Hellfire Club Founder
“Scandalous Aristocrat and Founder of the Infamous Hellfire Club – Unveiling the Secret Life of Francis Dashwood!”
- Alias: Lord Dashwood, Sir Francis Dashwood
- Gender: Male
- Race: Human
- Occupation: Aristocrat, Philanthropist, Founder of the Hellfire Club
- Religion: Freethinker, Deist
- Allies: John Wilkes, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Potter, Paul Whitehead
- Enemies: Moralists, Religious Authorities
- Abode/Base of Operations: West Wycombe Park, Medmenham Abbey
- Nationality: British
- Languages: Common, Infernal (speculated due to his dealings)
- Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
- Affiliation(s): The Hellfire Club, The Dilettanti Society
- Significant Others: None publicly acknowledged
Francis Dashwood, a prominent British aristocrat, embodies a captivating duality that straddles the line between the mortal realm and the infernal hells. A figure shrouded in both intrigue and trepidation, Dashwood’s presence seems to dance on the precipice of forbidden knowledge and dark forces that lurk beyond human understanding.
Within the enigmatic tapestry of his life, Dashwood’s actions and affiliations take on an otherworldly hue. Whispers abound, suggesting that he possesses an uncanny familiarity with the arcane and the esoteric, delving into realms where mortals fear to tread. These rumors paint a portrait of a man who dabbles in mysteries that beckon from Hell, hinting at a dance with powers far beyond the grasp of mere mortals.
Dashwood’s motivations, shrouded in shadows and whispered secrets, seem to defy the norms of mortal existence. As if drawn by an unseen hand, he navigates a labyrinthine path that weaves through the realms of both the earthly and the infernal. It is as though he seeks communion with forces that lie beyond human comprehension, driven by a pursuit of power and enlightenment that transcends the boundaries of mere mortality.
Yet, this dance with the infernal is not without its cost. A lingering fear clings to Dashwood, a primal dread of what lies hidden within the depths of Hell he seeks to unravel. The boundary between the mortal world and the realms of devils and demons is thin and tenuous, and Dashwood’s actions may evoke both fascination and horror in those who recognize the danger that lurks beneath the surface.
Within his veins courses the blood of ambition and audacity, a thirst for knowledge that teeters on the edge of recklessness. His journey, marked by both peril and promise, unveils a narrative interwoven with the threads of darkness and light. In his quest for mastery over the enigmatic forces that he dares to court, Dashwood treads a path that may lead to ultimate power or irrevocable damnation.
Francis Dashwood, Hellfire Club Founder
Medium humanoid (human), neutral evil
Armor Class 13 (noble’s attire) Hit Points 82 (15d8 + 15) Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 (+3) | 10 (+4) | 8 (+3) | 16 (+5) | 14 (+4) | 18 (+6) |
Saving Throws 8 (+3)
Skills Arcana +8, Deception +9, Insight +8, Persuasion +9, Religion +8
Senses Passive Perception 14
Languages English, Latin, Abyssal, Infernal,
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)
Actions Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage.
Hellfire Invocation (Recharge 5-6). Dashwood channels the dark energies he has harnessed, casting a sinister spell.
Diabolic Influence (3/Day). Dashwood uses his unholy power to sway the minds of others. One creature he can see within 30 feet must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by Dashwood for 1 minute. The charmed creature regards Dashwood as a trusted friend. The charmed creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If the creature’s saving throw is successful, the creature is immune to Dashwood’s Diabolic Influence for 24 hours.
Infernal Knowledge. Francis Dashwood’s proficiency bonus is doubled for any Intelligence ability check he makes that is related to arcane or occult lore.
Hellfire Cloak. As a bonus action, Francis Dashwood can engulf himself in hellish flames, granting him resistance to fire damage and causing his melee attacks to deal an additional 1d6 fire damage for 1 minute.
Summon Lesser Devil (1/Day). Dashwood can summon a quasit, imp, or another devil with CR 1 or lower from the Nine Hells to serve him for up to 1 hour. The summoned devil appears in an unoccupied space within 30 feet of Dashwood, acts as an ally of Dashwood, and obeys his spoken commands.
Spellcasting. Francis Dashwood is a 15th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following spells prepared:
- Cantrips (at will): eldritch blast, mage hand, prestidigitation, thaumaturgy
- 1st level (4 slots): charm person, hellish rebuke, inflict wounds, shield
- 2nd level (3 slots): blur, darkness, detect thoughts, invisibility
- 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, dispel magic, tongues, vampiric touch
- 4th level (3 slots): banishment, dimension door, greater invisibility
- 5th level (2 slots): dispel evil and good, modify memory
Legendary Actions Dashwood can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Dashwood regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
Spellcasting. Dashwood casts a spell from his list of prepared spells.
Diabolical Whisper. Francis Dashwood whispers dark incantations, targeting one creature he can see within 60 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. The frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
Cursed Strike. Francis Dashwood makes a melee attack.
Equipment Dagger, Noble’s Attire, Arcane Focus (Ornate Silver Amulet), Book of Occult Lore, Scroll of Infernal Summons, Devilish Trinkets
Notable Magic Items Amulet of Diabolic Resilience (Attunement): While wearing this amulet, Dashwood gains resistance to radiant and necrotic damage. Additionally, he has advantage on saving throws against spells and effects that would banish or control him.
Lair Actions Dashwood’s presence in his lair causes the environment to become infused with dark energies. On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Dashwood takes a lair action to cause one of the following magical effects:
Hellish Flames. Flames rise and surround Dashwood’s lair, creating dim light in a 30-foot radius. Creatures within this area take 1d6 fire damage at the start of their turn unless they succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw. This fire persists for 1 minute.
Infernal Whispers. Haunting whispers fill the air, making it difficult for creatures to focus. All creatures within 60 feet of Dashwood’s lair have disadvantage on Intelligence (Arcana) and Wisdom (Perception) checks for 1 minute.
Cursed Ground. The ground becomes tainted with infernal energy. Creatures that start their turn within 20 feet of Dashwood’s lair must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or have disadvantage on their next attack roll or saving throw before the end of their next turn.
Description Francis Dashwood, clad in dark robes adorned with diabolic symbols, exudes an air of malevolent charisma. His sharp, calculating eyes seem to pierce through the veils of reality into the realms beyond. His aura is a mixture of enigma and dark allure, drawing both curiosity and fear from those who encounter him.
Currently, Dashwood stands within his secluded chamber, surrounded by shelves of ancient tomes and arcane artifacts. The air is heavy with the scent of incense, and the dim candlelight casts eerie shadows that dance across the walls. His mood appears contemplative yet resolute, as if he is at the precipice of unlocking some forbidden secret that could reshape reality itself. The aura of his surroundings resonates with occult energy, resonating with his ambitions of power and forbidden knowledge.
Currently in the World
Physical Description: Lord Dashwood is a tall and lean figure with an air of aristocratic refinement. His sharp, calculating eyes seem to hold secrets untold, and his salt-and-pepper hair hints at the wisdom and experience of his years. Dressed in opulent, finely tailored clothing, he carries himself with an air of confidence and authority that demands attention.
Current Activity: Lord Dashwood is seated in the dimly lit study of his grand estate, Dashwood Manor. He leans over an ancient tome, his fingers tracing the pages as he studies the intricate symbols and incantations within. The room is adorned with curious artifacts, dusty scrolls, and peculiar sculptures that reflect his interest in the arcane and the esoteric.
Surroundings: The study is filled with an eerie ambiance, enhanced by flickering candles and the faint scent of incense that lingers in the air. Shelves are lined with ancient books and tomes, each containing hidden knowledge and secrets of the mystical arts. The light casts long shadows that dance upon the walls, adding to the mystique of the room.
Mood: Lord Dashwood’s mood is one of focused intensity. His brow furrows as he delves deeper into the text, his mind absorbed in deciphering the intricate rituals and dark spells described within. There is a sense of eagerness and determination in his expression, as if he is on the brink of unraveling some profound revelation.